Di Grassi, who raced for the Virgin Racing Formula 1 team in the 2010 and finished third behind Hamilton in the 2005 Formula 3 championship, thinks the Lewis and Sebastian would take some time to adapt to the challenges of racing Formula electric cars.

The Brazilian currently leads in Formula E standings ahead of this weekend’s Paris ePrix

“They [Lewis and Sebastian] would have a hard time in Formula E,” Di Grassi told CNN.

“They are incredible drivers. I raced with them since we were kids in go-karts. They are the most talented drivers of our generation and maybe, I would say, a lifetime.

“But if they came to Formula E they would have to learn the tracks, they are city tracks. I would invite them to come to race and see how it is. They would be tough competition but they would have a hard time.”

In a press conference ahead of this weekend’s race in Paris, di Grassi clarified his comments — “I would like to comment on something said on CNN, that I said Vettel and Hamilton would have a difficult time in Formula E,” di Grassi said.

“I said that and I mean it. They are the most outstanding guys of our generation. I wouldn’t say that they won’t succeed, but it’s so different and it’s so difficult to drive.

“Formula E is so different to anything else. You see a lot of very good drivers who did not succeed in Formula E. You can see here in this line-up sitting here together and the drivers out on track, they are extremely good.”